Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to re-evaluate and restock some of the essentials we have in our cabinets here at Elysian Bengals just in case we are quarantined in our home. It is just as important to prepare the cattery for an emergency with food, water and supplies for our cats and kittens as it is for us humans to have the same. In reality a pandemic is not the only time you should think about emergency and first aid for your companions. For example we live 3000 ft in the mountains. If we are snowed in or the local creeks and rivers are flooded we may not be able to leave our home. Furthermore we live an hour from the closest emergency hospital so we have to decide if we need to be treating at home or risk an hour long trip. Regardless anything could happen and as protectors of our companions it's important to make sure we are prepared for anything whether that is pandemic, weather or other unplanned/unpredicted circumstance. The following list is everything we keep in our kitten closet and cattery for every day and emergency situations along with a description for the purpose of these items. Many of these products you can also order right online and don’t need to leave the safety of your home to acquire them. Whether you are one of our kitten owners, a companion animal owner or breeder this list should come in handy in some form or another.
Gauze- sterile gauze can be used for covering open wounds, cleaning up messes and providing cushion
Vet Wrap- is a self adhesive like tape similar to the material used for casts. It can be used for making bandages, holding gauze in place or cover medications so animals don’t bother with it. THIS WRAP SHOULD NOT GET WET!
Medical Tape-a strong sticky tape used for bandages and holding things in place. This tape is strong enough that it can be applied directly to the skin and can survive movement and water.
Subcutaneous Fluids (Lactated Ringers) 1000 mL - is a liquid solution used to rehydrate and restore electrolytes in larger quantities.
IV Administration Set- you will need this to administer the fluids. We suggest 1-2 extra lines.
Needleless Luer Lock Syringes (1 mL, 3 mL and 10 mL)- syringes can be used for many things including administering medications intravenously, subcutaneously or orally. Various sizes can help administer various things to newborns, older kittens and adults.
1” Hypodermic needles (18 g, 21 g, 25 gauge needles)- these will fit the above mentioned syringes and IV administration lines to administer medications intravenously or subcutaneously. The smaller the number the bigger the gauge of the needles. You want to make sure you get hypodermic as these have a sharp tip.
Electrolyte Solution (materials and cubes)-this solution is a home made solution that can be used if you do not have lactated ringers. It can help restore electrolytes and can be administered subcutaneously or orally inexpensively with basic home goods (raw sugar, salt, distilled water) Activated Charcoal-has MANY uses as a detoxifier, remedy for diarrhea, resolving overdose and drug toxicity and much more
Raw Honey- can be used for open wounds, provides a glucose boost and is antibacterial and anti fungal, helps with digestion and is an antioxidant.
Tweezers
Thermometer
Clavamox- a broad spectrum antibiotic to treat infections of the ears, nose, throat, urinary tract, and skin
Clindamycin- an antibiotic to treat infections of lungs, skin, blood, female reproductive organs, internal organs, wounds, pyoderma, abscesses, bone and dental infections, and toxoplasmosis
Baytril- an antibiotic to treat infections of the urinary tract, skin, prostate, GI tract, liver, and lungs and bacterium like mycoplasma, Chlamydia, e coli, salmonella etc.
Doxycycline- a tetracycline antibiotic to treat as well as help with digestive upset, treat lyme disease, mycoplasma, chlamydia, kennel cough, heartworm infection etc.
Azithromycin- an antibiotic to treat streptococci, mycoplasma, chlamydia, ear infections pneumonia
Metronidazole-an antibiotic used to treat intestinal parasites, giardia, diarrhea, IBD/IBS, central nervous central conditions, dental infections etc.
Neo-poly-bac (neomycin, bacitracin, and polymyxin) Ophthalmic Ointment-an antibiotic eye ointment for bacterial eye infections
Terramycin- an antibiotic eye ointment to treat bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis, inflamed cornea, pink eye, corneal ulcer, and inflammation of the eyelids.
Prozac- an antidepressant drug to help treat separation anxiety and obsessive compulsive behaviors as well as inappropriate elimination Prednisolone- a corticosteroid to treat illness and disease related to inflammation or pertaining to the immune system such as anemia, central nervous system disorders, cancers, skin diseases and allergic reactions, hormonal reactions like Addison's disease, respiratory issues, IBD etc. Anti Fungal Spray and Wipes- to treat ringworm, dermatitis, pyoderma etc.
NOTE: When you can, get these medications in tablets, pills or powder form for longer shelf life. There are many natural medications and solutions (as seen below) that can be used to treat many illnesses and diseases but it is important to have numerous modes of treatment, both conventional and natural on hand. If conventional care is needed and one cannot get it, it's important to treat your companion in order to save their life if there is no other option.
Raw Honey
Full Extract Cannabis Oil- pretty much any condition you can think of can be used orally, topically, rectally to treat conditions including psychological conditions, respiratory, gastro, cancers, oral, infection, pain, sleep issues, wounds, anxiety etc.
Emergency Homeopathic Kit- there are many kits out there that address various conditions and problems that you can purchase and all come with hand guides to help determine the proper remedy to use for your condition. These products typically don’t expire as they are dry goods and have a long shelf life.
D-mannose- a simple sugar found in many fruits that help to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall which can help relieve and prevent urinary tract infections and other urinary conditions.
Oxycat -a topical, oral and ocular solution with antiviral, anti fungal and pH balancing properties. It relieves the body of toxins and free radicals. It can help heal wounds, aid in respiratory support through oral and vaporized administration and aid in digestive and oral health, treat ear mites, chin acne, stones/crystals and more!
ViraX -an anti-viral product that can be used for FeLV, colds and viruses, calicivirus, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, upper respiratory infections etc.
VitaCat and/or Liposomal C- a vitamin C immune booster that can support the urinary system, immune system, bones and joints, pain relief and inflammation etc.
CATalyst- an antioxidant solution that aids in the immune support digestion, joints, urinary system support, skin and coat health, pancreatitis, feline hyperesthesia syndrome etc.
Colloidal Silver-a natural antibacterial agent that can be used for many conditions and administered topically and orally. It comes in sprays, gels, dropper bottles, and jars. It can treat burns, wounds, skin infections, stomatitis, cancers, eye issues, respiratory conditions, boost the immune system, help the digestive tract etc. Milk thistle-an herb used to treat liver disorders, cancer, diabetes, kidney issues, gallbladder, bile duct issues and hyperthyroidism
Vitamin B12- this is a natural appetite stimulant but also helps with deficiencies, anemia, pancreatic insufficiency, and digestive disorders.
Raw Honey
French Tubes (30)- this is a silicone tube that is placed down the throat of an animal and into the stomach to provide food nutrients to an animal that is not eating on their own
Syringes (1 mL, 3 mL, 10 mL) -syringes assist in feed kittens and cats when they must be forced to consume nutrients *see above
Mini Miracle Nipples- these silicone nipples mimic those of the mother. They can be placed on a syringe to feed newborn kittens if their mother cannot or if supplementation is needed.
Naturvet Digestive Enzymes or Adored Beast products-enzymes that break down food and nutrient molecules to facilitate better absorption
Prebiotics- compounds in food that help the growth of beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract
Probiotics-microorganisms to help restore the microbiome and gut flora
Colostrum cubes and freeze dried-an antibody rich substance produced from a mother right after birth. It is full of antibodies and immune boosting properties. You can store raw fresh colostrum in the freezer or you can get freeze dried that has a longer shelf life. There are many companies that also make cute silicone molds to easy make cubes.
Goats Milk cubes and dried powder- milk from goats can be used in mixes for supplementing kittens or ill adults. It has anti-mucous and anti-inflammatory properties. You can store raw fresh goats milk in the freezer or you can get it in dried powder form that has a longer shelf life.
Kefir cubes (make your own, at stores)- contains 61 strains of bacteria and yeasts helping the microbiome of the gut flora which means it also aids the gut flora to settle upset stomachs and loose stool .It is 99% lactose free and can be included in mixes for supplementing kittens and ill adults
Bone broth cubes-contains trace minerals, can add flavor to water, increase fluid intake and get ill or sick animals eating.
Egg Cubes- eggs don’t last too long in the fridge but you can increase their shelf life by making them into cubes and storing in the freezer. Eggs are a super food that provide many benefits, add calories, fat and an inexpensive source of protein.
Raw Food Ingredients or Premade
Freeze Dried Raw-another great option second to fresh raw. Freeze dried raw has a long shelf life, is lightweight and easy to travel with.
Canned Food- canned food can have a longer shelf life in an emergency situation
Kibble- this is a last resort for us raw feeders but at the end of the day if it’s needed its needed to keep our cats fed during an emergency even if it's not the best quality.
Jugs of Water
Distilled- while you can drink this, it is also sterile and can be used for many medical purposes including cleaning surgical and first aid equipment, cleaning wounds, rinsing the mouth, humidification and more
Spring/Filtered
Towels of various sizes
Colored Velcro Collars- for IDing newborn and growing kittens
Iodine- an antiseptic to prevention infection and aid for minor cuts, grazes, burns, abrasions and blisters
Kelly Forceps- for clamping off umbilical cords, holding blood vessels etc.
Surgical Scissors- for cutting tissues like umbilical cords
Unwaxed Thread or dental floss- to tie off umbilical cords but also can hold bandages in place.
Heating pads (that don’t turn off on their own)- to keep newborns warm who can’t regulate their temperature or ill adults as well as heating fluids
Hot water bottles/discs
Puppy Pads-think of these as giant gauze pads. They can be placed under a birthing mom to absorb birthing fluids and easy to clean up after. They can also be used for ill cats that are having incontinence, inappropriate bowel release and vomiting.
Kitchen and/or Baby Scale
KMR- I would never recommend this product normally due to its ingredients and impeccable ability to constipate but it is a dry product and in an emergency could save a kittens life if they need to be supplemented.
Distilled White Vinegar- is an inexpensive solvent, deodorizer, disinfectant. It kills 99% of bacteria, 80% of viruses and germs and 82% of molds.
Herb Infused Vinegar- is an inexpensive and easy to make cleaning and first aid solution. Depending on what is put in the vinegar (thyme, rosemary, lavender, citus etc) many antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties exist that are very effective for cleaning and first aid.
Hydrogen Peroxide- is an inexpensive disinfectant that instantly kills germs, bacteria and toxins. It can be used as a spray and in cleaning solutions. DO NOT USE ON MOST OPEN WOUNDS IT WILL EAT AWAY AT THE TISSUE. It can clean and prevent infection in small and minor wounds, as well as used as a mouthwash.
Borax- is a pH stabilizer, softens hard water, cleans mildew and mold, removes rust, deodorizes and much more. Only use in cleaning solutions and keep away from your cats. INGESTION OF BORAX IS VERY DANGEROUS
Baking Soda-can easily dissipate dirt and grease. It is also a deodorizer, stain and urine remover. As a first aid item it is antacid, it can treat bug bites, remove splinters, be used as a toothpaste, soothe heat rashes, soothe the skin and relieve dandruff
Bleach-bleach is not my first choice of cleaning products due to its dangers (dangerous fumes and corrosiveness to the eyes, lungs and skin) that being said it can be used to purify water and used as a disinfectant in emergency situations.
FLEAS
Lemon infused water
Aloe Vera
Ground Rosemary
Salt
Baking Soda For the above ingredient purposes and recipe view our article for full details on treating fleas naturally in cats.
WORMS
Raw unsalted pumpkin seed- pumpkin seed contains cucurbitin which causes worms and parasites to paralyze and detach from the intestinal wall allowing them to pass and be eliminated from the body
PYOMETRA
Baytril - an antibiotic that treats infections. It is used in this treatment protocol to reduce inflammation and infection indicated by pus accumulation in the uterus. This is not a sole treatment and should be combined with the following medications. Clavamox- a broad spectrum antibiotic Lutalyse- an injectable prostaglandin a hormone that helps open up the uterus and help force out the bacterial infection/pus.
In addition to the above supplies, it is a great idea to create a binder of information all about your cats so that if something happens to you or other family members they can be cared for properly and placed in homes that are best for them. This is important for pet owners and breeders alike. I have seen way too many horror stories where an owner passes and their significant other can’t care for them and their cats end up in shelters or put to sleep or breeders who had no plan in action and their cats were placed in bad situations.
You will also want to create ID cards for your cats. People outside of our in-home families often can’t tell the difference between our companions. ID cards can provide a picture and quick information to each cat. We will have a follow up blog on creating your own emergency binders and ID cards.
This list is NOT all inclusive of course. This list is based on our experiences and our emergencies across many situations. Evaluate the things your cats use on a regular basis, what they have used in the past. Think about what could have multiple purposes and uses including their use over the animal spectrum into the human in case of an emergency.
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